Makabayan wants probe of violent dispersal

The progressive Makabayan party-list bloc has sought a congressional inquiry into the violent dispersal of residents protesting the demolition of their homes along the banks of the Manggahan Floodway in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Pasig City.

House Resolution No. 1265 called on the House of Representatives’ human rights committee to “condemn and conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation,” on the Aug. 30 incident as well as the plight of affected residents in the area.

At least 30 people were hurt while the police arrested 41 members of urban poor group Kadamay, including 14 women and 10 minors, for illegal assembly and direct assault.

It quoted human rights group Karapatan as saying Eastern Police District officers conducted a “Tokhang-style search of Kadamay members in the said community” as part of “clearing operations.”

The protesters claimed their houses were set for demolition despite the lack of suitable relocation. —Vince F. Nonato